Disk loading device of recording and reproducing device

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a disk loading apparatus the thickness of which can be reduced and which is applicable to disks of diverse size.  
     An apparatus according to the invention comprises: an out-lever unit ( 509 ) which is arranged in a slot for a disk to be inserted and thereby retains the outer edge of the disk so as to permit the disk inserted into the slot to pass through the slot; a roller unit ( 503 ) for transferring the disk to a predetermined position; a check plate unit ( 506 ) which is arranged in the interior from the slot and thereby retains the outer edge of the disk transferred by the roller unit ( 503 ); and a disk motor  17  for rotating the disk at the predetermined position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a disk loading apparatus in an apparatus for recording, reproducing, or recording and reproducing information to and/or from a disk by means of light or the like, that is, in a recording and reproducing apparatus for handling a recording and reproducing disk.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Recording media presently used for information equipment such as computers include: reproduction dedicated disks such as CD-ROMs; and erasable (rewritable) disks according to magneto-optical method and phase change method.

[0003] A prior art disk loading apparatus for disk-shaped recording media is disclosed in JP-A 10-255366. The apparatus is a mechanism for centering a transferred disk, and comprises: at least two centering members for confronting the outer edge of a disk and thereby centering the disk, wherein the position of the centering members varies correspondingly to the size of the disk; and a detection member for detecting the size of the disk and thereby controlling the position of the centering members correspondingly to the size of the disk.

[0004] According to this disk loading apparatus, a disk of diverse size can be centered in a disk loading apparatus of so-called slot-in type.

[0005] Nevertheless, regardless of the size of the disk, the disk is supported by centering pins at the disk outer edge and by rollers in the disk thickness direction, in the course of disk transfer from the slot to the above of the turntable. Then, when the disk is placed on the turntable, the rollers supporting the disk bottom surface is lowered down, and at the same time, the disk outer edge is slightly pushed back by the elasticity of a pressed piece.

[0006] In such a configuration, the mechanism needs to have precision. Further, when the disk is placed on the turntable, a pressing force is applied to the disk substantially in an inclined state. This can cause scratches in the information surface of the disk, and still does not suppress off-centering in disk catching. During the disk catching, the rear pin contacts with the disk, but the front pin does not. Accordingly, the disk is completely not retained by the pins. Further, the disk is centered solely by the rear pin.

[0007] In a prior art drive apparatus for transferring a disk by retaining the disk outer edge, the thickness direction of the disk is clamped by tapered rubber rollers and tapered plastic members, whereby the plane in which the disk is retained inside the drive apparatus is defined by any three of these rubber rollers and plastic members. Accordingly, depending on the insert position of the disk, the leading edge of the disk deviates up, down, right, or left. This can cause the problem that the disk surface contacts with the other members inside the drive apparatus. In order to avoid the contact, sufficiently large gaps are necessary between the transferred disk and the other members. In particular, in a drive apparatus for handling a disk of diverse size, such positional deviation easily occurs in the disk outer shape.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0008] A disk loading apparatus according to the invention used in a recording and reproducing apparatus has been devised in order to resolve the above-mentioned disadvantages and problems in the prior art. An object of the invention is to reduce the thickness of a disk loading apparatus without causing scratches in the surface of a disk of diverse size.

[0009] In order to engage a disk with a spindle motor precisely without causing scratches in the disk surface, retaining means needs to retain the disk by contacting with the outer edge thereof during disk transfer. When the disk is engaged with the spindle motor, the retaining means needs to stay at a position slightly departing from the outer edge of the disk in order to avoid an extremely large off-centering of the disk. Further, on completion of the engagement with the spindle motor, the retaining means needs to retract to a position substantially departing from the outer edge of the disk. Nevertheless, in general, such necessity causes complexity in the configuration, and thereby degrades reliability. In a disk loading apparatus according to the invention, a simple lever mechanism resolves such a problem.

[0010] In order to begin to transfer the disk without causing scratches in the disk, disk transferring means needs to move in advance by detecting that the outer edge of the disk is inserted to the apparatus. A disk loading apparatus according to the invention resolves such a problem.

[0011] In order to eject the disk from the apparatus without causing scratches in the disk, disk transferring means needs to move such that the disk ejection position does not go outside the disk retaining means. A disk loading apparatus according to the invention resolves such a problem.

[0012] In order to transfer the disk without causing scratches in the disk, positional deviation in the right and left needs to be restricted during the disk transfer. A disk loading apparatus according to the invention resolves such a problem.

[0013] In order to transfer a disk of diverse size without causing scratches in the disk, the position of the disk retaining means needs to be changed depending on the disk diameter. A disk loading apparatus according to the invention resolves such a problem.

[0014] In order to transfer a disk of diverse size without causing scratches in the disk, the position of the disk retaining means needs to be precisely changed depending on the disk diameter. A disk loading apparatus according to the invention resolves such a problem.

[0015] In order to avoid transfer shift in the retaining means and damage to the drive system caused by a drop shock during transportation, necessary is a lock mechanism for locking the retaining means when no disk is loaded. A disk loading apparatus according to the invention resolves such a problem.

[0016] In order for a single motor to drive the motion of disk insertion and disk ejection, the up and down motion of the traverse base carrying an optical pickup and a spindle motor, and the up and down motion of the clamp section, a motion switching mechanism needs to be provided in the disk transferring means. A disk loading apparatus according to the invention resolves such a problem.

[0017] In order to transfer a disk without causing scratches in the disk, and in order for a single motor to drive the motion of disk insertion and disk ejection, the up and down motion of the traverse base carrying an optical pickup and a spindle motor, and the up and down motion of the clamp section, necessary is a motion switching mechanism acting in linkage with the disk transferring means. A disk loading apparatus according to the invention resolves such a problem.

[0018] In order for a single motor to drive stably the motion of disk insertion and disk ejection, the up and down motion of the traverse base carrying an optical pickup and a spindle motor, and the up and down motion of the clamp section, the driving force transmission from the motor to the drive mechanism for disk insertion and disk ejection needs to be disconnected from the time of completion of disk insertion to the time of beginning of disk ejection. A disk loading apparatus according to the invention resolves such a problem.

[0019] In order for a single motor to drive stably the motion of disk insertion and disk ejection, the up and down motion of the traverse base carrying an optical pickup and a spindle motor, and the up and down motion of the clamp section, a pair of slide rack mechanisms slidable in opposite directions to each other need to be provided at positions symmetric with respect to the disk center. A disk loading apparatus according to the invention resolves such a problem.

[0020] In order to eject the disk from the drive apparatus by mechanical means when the power is off, necessary is a mechanism for carrying out the down motion of the traverse base carrying an optical pickup and a spindle motor, the up and hold motion of the clamp, and the motion of disk ejection. A disk loading apparatus according to the invention resolves such a problem.

[0021] In order to transfer the disk without causing scratches in the disk, a clamp restricting member acting in linkage with the transferring means need to be provided in order to prevent the transferred disk from being contacted by the clamp arranged opposingly to the disk motor across the disk. A disk loading apparatus according to the invention resolves such a problem.

[0022] In order for a single motor to drive precisely the motion of disk insertion and disk ejection, the up and down motion of the traverse base carrying an optical pickup and a spindle motor, and the up and down motion of the clamp section, a pair of slide racks slidable in two directions need to be used in the mechanical control of the various motion. A disk loading apparatus according to the invention resolves such a problem.

[0023] In order to reduce the drive length and simplify the drive configuration, the engaging and retaining sections for engaging a mechanism chassis containing the mechanism with a frame needs to be provided inside the mechanism chassis. A disk loading apparatus according to the invention resolves such a problem.

[0024] Depending on the OS (operating system) of a PC (personal computer), disk ejection by hardware is inhibited by some PC makers. It is difficult to satisfy, simultaneously by mechanical means, both the PC makers' request that an eject button for ordinary use is unnecessary but that the function of electrical forced ejection is necessary and the manufacturers' request that an eject button for ordinary use is necessary in assembly lines. A disk loading apparatus according to the invention resolves such a problem.

[0025] In order for a single motor to drive the motion of disk insertion and disk ejection, the up and down motion of the traverse base carrying an optical pickup and a spindle motor, and the up and down motion of the clamp section, and in order to reduce acoustic noise in the loading, the method of drive needs to be changed in the control circuit depending on the motion. A disk loading apparatus according to the invention resolves such a problem.

[0026] In order for a single motor to drive the motion of disk insertion and disk ejection, the up and down motion of the traverse base carrying an optical pickup and a spindle motor, and the up and down motion of the clamp section, and in order to reduce acoustic noise in the loading at normal temperatures, and further in order to increase the torque of the motor correspondingly to load increase at low temperatures, the method of drive needs to be changed in the control circuit. A disk loading apparatus according to the invention resolves such a problem.

[0027] In order for a single motor to drive the motion of disk insertion and disk ejection, the up and down motion of the traverse base carrying an optical pickup and a spindle motor, and the up and down motion of the clamp section, and in order to reduce acoustic noise in the loading at normal temperatures, and further in order to increase the torque of the motor correspondingly to aged increase in the load of disk loading, the method of drive needs to be changed in the control circuit. A disk loading apparatus according to the invention resolves such a problem.

[0028] A first aspect of the invention is a disk loading apparatus comprising: first retaining means which is arranged in a slot for a disk to be inserted and thereby retains the outer edge of the disk so as to permit the disk inserted into the slot to pass through the slot; transferring means for transferring the disk retained by the first retaining means, to a predetermined position; second retaining means which is arranged in the interior from the slot and thereby retains the outer edge of the disk retained by the first retaining means and transferred by the transferring means; and rotating means for rotating the disk at the predetermined position.

[0029] According to this configuration, the first retaining means and the second retaining means retain the outer edge of the disk during the disk transfer. This permits restriction in the elevation and the position of the disk within the apparatus. Thus, avoided is the previous necessity that in order to avoid the contact between the transferred disk and various members in the apparatus and in order to avoid scratches in the disk surface, sufficiently large gaps need to be designed between the transferred disk and various members in the apparatus. This permits reduction in the thickness of the apparatus. Further, the invention is applicable to disks of diverse size.

[0030] In the above-mentioned configuration, the discrepancy is set substantially reduced between the disk transfer level of the transferring means and the disk rotation level of the rotating means.

[0031] According to this configuration, the substantial reduction in the discrepancy between the disk transfer level and the disk rotation level permits further reduction in the thickness of the apparatus. Further, the reduction in the disk traveling distance reduces the possibility of scratching in the disk.

[0032] In the above-mentioned configuration: each of the first retaining means and the second retaining means has groove-shaped confronting sections for engaging with the outer edge of the disk in a slidable manner; and at the beginning of engagement between the disk and the rotating means, each confronting section stays at a position in which the groove bottom of the confronting section is slightly departing from the outer edge of the disk, while on completion of the engagement between the disk and the rotating means, each confronting section retracts to a position substantially departing from the outer edge of the disk.

[0033] According to this configuration, at the beginning of engagement between the disk and the rotating means, each of the first retaining means and the second retaining means stays at a position slightly departing from the outer edge of the disk, while on completion of the engagement between the disk and the rotating means, each retaining means retracts to a position substantially departing from the outer edge of the disk. Accordingly, the first retaining means and the second retaining means can be formed with simple arms. Further, without suffering scratches in the disk surface, the disk can engage with the spindle motor precisely.

[0034] In the above-mentioned configuration, the first retaining means comprises a pair of levers which grip the outer edge of the disk in a slidable manner and are arranged at positions symmetric with respect to the transfer direction of the disk.

[0035] According to this configuration, positional shift is avoided in the direction perpendicular to the direction of disk transfer.

[0036] In the above-mentioned configuration, at least one lever in the pair of levers comprises an arm for contacting with the disk at first when the disk is inserted into the disk loading apparatus.

[0037] According to this configuration, the arm serves as a disk detection arm when the disk is inserted. Accordingly, when it is detected that the outer edge of the disk enters into the apparatus, the disk transferring means is moved in advance, whereby disk transfer is started without suffering scratches in the disk.

[0038] In the above-mentioned configuration, at least one lever in the pair of levers comprises an arm for contacting with the disk at last when the disk is ejected from the disk loading apparatus.

[0039] According to this configuration, the position of disk ejection can be set not to go outside the disk retaining means, whereby the disk is ejected without suffering scratches in the disk.

[0040] In the above-mentioned configuration, the pair of levers comprise a link mechanism in which a motion of one lever causes a motion of the other lever.

[0041] According to this configuration, positional shift of the disk is restricted in the right and left during disk transfer, whereby the disk is transferred without suffering scratches in the disk.

[0042] In the above-mentioned configuration, the second retaining means comprises three levers.

[0043] According to this configuration, the retaining position of the retaining means can be changed depending on the disk diameter, whereby a disk of diverse size is transferred without suffering scratches in the disk.

[0044] In the above-mentioned configuration, the second retaining means comprises: three levers; and cam plates for engaging with the levers and thereby defining the path of disk transfer.

[0045] According to this configuration, the retaining position of the retaining means can be precisely changed depending on the disk diameter, whereby a disk of diverse size is transferred without suffering scratches in the disk.

[0046] In the above-mentioned configuration, the three levers are configured such that a second lever and a third lever are attached to a first lever.

[0047] According to this configuration, in addition to the effect of claim 8 or 9, the retaining position of the retaining means can be precisely changed depending on the disk diameter by means of a simple lever mechanism, whereby a disk of diverse size is transferred without suffering scratches in the disk.

[0048] In the above-mentioned configuration, the second lever or the third lever comprises a rotary arm for retaining the outer edge of the disk in a slidable manner.

[0049] According to this configuration, when no disk is loaded (inserted), the rotary arm serves as a lock mechanism for the second retaining means, whereby avoided are transfer shift in the retaining means and damage to the drive system caused by a drop shock during transportation.

[0050] In the above-mentioned configuration, the cam plates are composed of a first cam plate fixed to the disk loading apparatus and a second cam plate which is movable.

[0051] According to this configuration, the fixed first cam plate determines the path during disk transfer. On completion of disk transfer, a motor drives the second cam plate via the disk and the second cam plate, whereby this single motor can drive the motion of disk insertion and disk ejection, the up and down motion of the traverse base carrying an optical pickup and a spindle motor, and the up and down motion of the clamp section.

[0052] In the above-mentioned configuration, the transferring means for the disk comprises: a transfer mechanism for pressing and retaining the outer circumference solely of the disk; a motor and a series of gears for driving the transfer mechanism; and racks capable of engaging with and departing from at least one gear in the series of gears.

[0053] This configuration permits a motion switching mechanism in the disk transferring means, whereby a single motor can drive the motion of disk insertion and disk ejection, the up and down motion of the traverse base carrying an optical pickup and a spindle motor, and the up and down motion of the clamp section.

[0054] In the above-mentioned configuration, the transfer mechanism comprises a pair of rotary retaining members which are arranged opposingly to each other in the direction perpendicular to the disk transfer direction and parallel to the disk and thereby move the outer circumference of the disk by friction.

[0055] According to this configuration, the transfer mechanism comprises a pair of rotary retaining members such as tapered rubber rollers, whereby the disk is transferred without suffering scratches in the disk.

[0056] In the above-mentioned configuration, the transfer mechanism comprises: a fixed member for sliding along the outer circumference of the disk; and a rotary retaining member for moving the outer circumference of the disk by friction; the members are arranged opposingly to each other in the direction of disk thickness.

[0057] According to this configuration, the transfer mechanism comprises: a fixed member such as a tapered plastic pad; and a rotary retaining member such as a tapered rubber roller; whereby the disk is transferred without suffering scratches in the disk.

[0058] In the above-mentioned configuration, the series of gears further comprise a clutch capable of engaging with and departing from the gear of at least one rotary retaining member.

[0059] This configuration permits a motion switching mechanism acting in linkage with the disk transferring means. Further, the disk is transferred without suffering scratches in the disk. Furthermore, a single motor can drive the motion of disk insertion and disk ejection, the up and down motion of the traverse base carrying an optical pickup and a spindle motor, and the up and down motion of the clamp section.

[0060] In the above-mentioned configuration, the racks are composed of: a first rack engaging with the second retaining means; and a second rack not engaging with the second retaining means but slidable along the first rack; wherein when the first rack is moved by the second retaining means, each of the first rack and the second rack engages with a gear in the series of gears.

[0061] According to this configuration, the racks are composed of a first rack and a second rack, whereby the driving force transmission from the motor to the drive mechanism for disk insertion and disk ejection can be disconnected from the time of completion of disk insertion to the time of beginning of disk ejection. Accordingly, a single motor can drive stably the motion of disk insertion and disk ejection, the up and down motion of the traverse base carrying an optical pickup and a spindle motor, and the up and down motion of the clamp section.

[0062] In the above-mentioned configuration, the racks further comprise a third rack for acting symmetrically to the second rack by means of a link mechanism.

[0063] According to this configuration, the second rack and the third rack form a pair of slide rack mechanisms slidable in opposite directions to each other provided at positions symmetric with respect to the disk center. Accordingly, a single motor can drive stably the motion of disk insertion and disk ejection, the up and down motion of the traverse base carrying an optical pickup and a spindle motor, and the up and down motion of the clamp section.

[0064] In the above-mentioned configuration, the racks further comprise a fourth rack capable of engaging with and departing from the gear of the rotary retaining member.

[0065] According to this configuration, the fourth rack permits a mechanism for carrying out the down motion of the traverse base carrying an optical pickup and a spindle motor, the up and hold motion of the clamp, and the motion of disk ejection. This permits the ejection of the disk from the drive apparatus by mechanical means when the power is off.

[0066] In the above-mentioned configuration, the rotating means for the disk comprises: a disk motor for retaining the disk; a clamp arranged opposingly to the disk motor across the disk; and a clamp restricting member capable of engaging with and departing from the clamp.

[0067] This configuration permits a clamp restricting member acting in linkage with the transferring means so as to prevent the transferred disk from being contacted by the clamp. Accordingly, the disk is transferred without suffering scratches in the disk.

[0068] In the above-mentioned configuration, the rotating means for the disk comprises: a disk motor for retaining the disk; a clamp arranged opposingly to the disk motor across the disk; and a clamp restricting member capable of engaging with and departing from the clamp; wherein each of the second rack and the third rack is provided with: a cam groove for the up and down motion of the rotating means for the disk; a cam groove for the up and down motion of the clamp; and a cam groove for the engagement motion of the clamp restricting member.

[0069] According to this configuration, a pair of slide racks slidable in two directions can carry out precisely the mechanical control of the various motion.

[0070] A second aspect of the invention is a disk loading apparatus comprising: a mechanism chassis for containing a mechanism; and a frame serving as a cover capable of engaging with and departing from the mechanism chassis; wherein each of both side surfaces of the mechanism chassis is provided with a groove open forward and backward, and wherein the frame is provided with bent members each capable of engaging with and departing from the groove.

[0071] According to this configuration, the engaging and retaining sections for engaging the mechanism chassis containing the mechanism with the frame can be provided inside the mechanism chassis. This reduces the drive length and simplifies the drive configuration.

[0072] A third aspect of the invention is a disk loading apparatus comprising: a disk ejection switch; and disk transferring means for transferring a disk in response to the disk ejection switch; wherein depending on the frequency or the duration in which the disk ejection switch is pressed, the method of disk ejection is changed in the disk transferring means.

[0073] According to this configuration, for example, when the pressed duration is 1 sec or shorter, the disk transferring means ejects the disk, whereas when the pressed duration is longer, the disk transferring means ejects the disk during the pressed duration. Then, without adding a new mechanism, this configuration satisfies both the PC makers' request that an eject button for ordinary use is unnecessary but that the function of electrical forced ejection is necessary and the manufacturers' request that an eject button for ordinary use is necessary in assembly lines.

[0074] A fourth aspect of the invention is a disk loading apparatus comprising: a switch for detecting the completion of disk loading; a switch for detecting the completion of disk ejection; a disk ejection switch; and disk transferring means for transferring a disk in response to the disk ejection switch; wherein when the disk ejection switch is pressed, the method of disk ejection is changed in the disk transferring means depending on the state of the switch for detecting the completion of disk loading or the switch for detecting the completion of disk ejection.

[0075] According to this configuration, for example, during disk loading, the disk transferring means ejects the disk. During disk ejection, when the pressed duration of the disk ejection switch is 1 sec or shorter, the motion is changed in to disk loading, whereas when the pressed duration is longer, the disk transferring means ejects the disk during the pressed duration. Then, without adding a new mechanism, this configuration satisfies both the PC makers' request that an eject button for ordinary use is unnecessary but that the function of electrical forced ejection is necessary and the manufacturers' request that an eject button for ordinary use is necessary in assembly lines.

[0076] A fifth aspect of the invention is a disk loading apparatus comprising: disk transferring means; a drive circuit for the disk transferring means; and disk rotating means; wherein the drive circuit is composed of a PWM drive circuit, whereby the operation duty can be changed between a value for disk insertion and disk ejection and a value for the up and down motion of the disk rotating means after the disk is loaded.

[0077] This configuration permits optimization of the drive in the control circuit correspondingly to each motion. Accordingly, a single motor can drive the motion of disk insertion and disk ejection, the up and down motion of the traverse base carrying an optical pickup and a spindle motor, and the up and down motion of the clamp section. Further, acoustic noise is reduced in the loading.

[0078] A sixth aspect of the invention is a disk loading apparatus comprising: disk transferring means; a drive circuit for the disk transferring means; and temperature detecting means; wherein the drive circuit is composed of a PWM drive circuit, whereby the operation duty of the disk transferring means is changed on the basis of the detected temperature.

[0079] According to this configuration, the method of drive can be changed in the control circuit. Accordingly, a single motor can drive the motion of disk insertion and disk ejection, the up and down motion of the traverse base carrying an optical pickup and a spindle motor, and the up and down motion of the clamp section. Further, acoustic noise is reduced in the loading at normal temperatures. Furthermore, the torque of the motor is increased correspondingly to load increase at low temperatures.

[0080] In the above-mentioned configuration, the operation duty during disk insertion and disk ejection is set lower than the value for the up and down motion of the disk rotating means after the disk is loaded.

[0081] According to this configuration, the method of drive can be changed in the control circuit. Accordingly, a single motor can drive the motion of disk insertion and disk ejection, the up and down motion of the traverse base carrying an optical pickup and a spindle motor, and the up and down motion of the clamp section. Further, acoustic noise is reduced in the loading at normal temperatures.

[0082] In the above-mentioned configuration, a time-out limit is provided in the PWM drive of the drive circuit, wherein the time-out limit is set at or longer than the twice of either the disk loading time or the disk ejection time at normal temperatures.

[0083] According to this configuration, similarly to claim 25 or 26, the method of drive can be changed in the control circuit. Accordingly, a single motor can drive the motion of disk insertion and disk ejection, the up and down motion of the traverse base carrying an optical pickup and a spindle motor, and the up and down motion of the clamp section. Further, acoustic noise is reduced in the loading at normal temperatures. Furthermore, the torque of the motor is increased correspondingly to aged increase in the load of disk loading.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0084]FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0085]FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a mechanism chassis unit, an out lever unit, and the like.

[0086]FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a mechanism chassis unit, an out lever unit, a motor base unit, a slide cam unit, and the like.

[0087]FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a mechanism chassis unit.

[0088]FIG. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of a motor base unit, a roller unit, and a slide cam unit.

[0089]FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the assembled state of the components shown in FIG. 5.

[0090]FIG. 7 shows an exploded perspective view of a traverse unit.

[0091]FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a traverse unit.

[0092]FIG. 9 shows an exploded perspective view of a motor base A unit.

[0093]FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a motor base A unit.

[0094]FIG. 11 shows an exploded perspective view of a motor base B unit.

[0095]FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a motor base B unit.

[0096]FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a clutch.

[0097]FIG. 14 shows an exploded perspective view of a check plate unit.

[0098]FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the assembled state of a set lever, a check lever, and the like.

[0099]FIG. 16 shows an exploded perspective view of a check plate unit in the assembled state of a set lever, a check lever, and the like.

[0100]FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of a check plate unit.

[0101]FIG. 18 shows an exploded perspective view of a top plate unit.

[0102]FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of a top plate unit.

[0103]FIG. 20 shows an exploded perspective view of a clamp unit.

[0104]FIG. 21(a) shows a perspective view of a clamp unit viewed from above.

[0105]FIG. 21(b) shows a perspective view of a clamp unit viewed from below.

[0106]FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of a P board with a cover being attached.

[0107]FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of a P board with a cover being detached.

[0108]FIG. 24 shows a perspective bottom view of a P board.

[0109]FIG. 25 shows a schematic plan view illustrating the situation that a disk is inserted, and thereby confronts an in-push arm, whereby tapered rollers begin to rotatee.

[0110]FIG. 26 shows a schematic plan view illustrating the situation that a disk is further transferred, and thereby opens an out-lever.

[0111]FIG. 27 shows a schematic plan view illustrating the situation that a disk is further transferred, passes an out-lever by, and thereby confronts a side lever.

[0112]FIG. 28 shows a schematic plan view illustrating the situation that a disk is further transferred, and thereby confronts a side lever and a check lever.

[0113]FIG. 29 shows a schematic plan view illustrating the situation that a disk confronts a stop arm.

[0114]FIG. 30 shows a plan view illustrating the situation that a check lever, a set lever, and a stop arm are slightly departing from a disk.

[0115]FIG. 31 shows a plan view illustrating the situation that an out-lever, a check lever, a set lever, and a stop arm are departing from a disk.

[0116]FIG. 32 shows an elevation view illustrating the situation before a slide rack of a slide cam unit engages with a gear.

[0117]FIG. 33 shows an elevation view illustrating the situation that a slide rack engages with a gear.

[0118]FIG. 34(a) shows a cross sectional view of the main part of a slide rack in a disengaged state.

[0119]FIG. 34(b) shows an elevation view of a slide rack in a disengaged state.

[0120]FIG. 35(a) shows a cross sectional view of the main part of a slide rack in an engaged state.

[0121]FIG. 35(b) shows an elevation view of a slide rack in an engaged state.

[0122]FIG. 36(a) shows a cross sectional view of the main part of a slide rack in a traveling state.

[0123]FIG. 36(b) shows an elevation view of a slide rack in a traveling state.

[0124]FIG. 37 shows an elevation view illustrating the situation that a slide cam unit moves, whereby the gear of a clutch disengages from a roller gear.

[0125]FIG. 38 shows a view illustrating the situation that a roller unit disengages from a disk.

[0126]FIG. 39 shows an elevation view illustrating the situation before a disk is inserted onto rollers.

[0127]FIG. 40 shows an elevation view illustrating the situation that a disk is inserted onto rollers.

[0128]FIG. 41 shows an elevation view illustrating the situation that rollers are going down along cam grooves.

[0129]FIG. 42 shows an elevation view illustrating the situation that rollers have gone down along cam grooves, and hence are departing from a disk completely.

[0130]FIG. 43 shows an elevation view illustrating the inclined state before a slide cam unit of a traverse unit moves.

[0131]FIG. 44 shows an elevation view illustrating the level state that a slide cam unit has moved, whereby the traverse unit is on the level for disk retaining.

[0132]FIG. 45 shows schematic elevation views illustrating the states of a top plate before and after disk insertion.

[0133]FIG. 46 shows schematic elevation views illustrating the state that a top pad of a top plate departs from a disk, and that a clamp lies on the disk.

[0134]FIG. 47(a) shows a cross sectional view of the main part of a forced ejection mechanism before a pin is inserted.

[0135]FIG. 47(b) shows a cross sectional view of the main part of a forced ejection mechanism after a pin is inserted and thereby a slide cam R is moved.

[0136]FIG. 48 shows a cross sectional view of the main part in which an ejection lever rotates a roller gear repeatedly in order to eject a disk.

[0137]FIG. 49 shows a block diagram of a circuit system of a disk loading apparatus.

[0138]FIG. 50(a) shows PWM drive voltage.

[0139]FIG. 50(b) shows PWM drive current.

[0140]FIG. 51(a) shows the specification of PWM drive duty as a function of time in disk loading at temperatures within a guaranteed temperature range.

[0141]FIG. 51(b) shows the specification of PWM drive duty as a function of time in disk loading at temperatures outside a guaranteed temperature range.

[0142]FIG. 52(a) shows the specification of PWM drive duty as a function of time in disk ejection at temperatures within a guaranteed temperature range.

[0143]FIG. 52(b) shows the specification of PWM drive duty as a function of time in disk ejection at temperatures outside a guaranteed temperature range.

[0144]FIG. 53 shows the situation before an 8-cm disk is inserted.

[0145]FIG. 54 shows the situation that an 8-cm disk opens an out-lever.

[0146]FIG. 55 shows the situation that the outer edge of a disk confronts a set lever and a check lever.

[0147]FIG. 56 shows the situation that a disk is further transferred, and thereby confronts a stop arm.

[0148]FIG. 57 shows the situation that a stop arm stops.

[0149]FIG. 58 shows the situation that a disk is clamped on a spindle motor.

[0150]FIG. 59 shows a plan view illustrating the situation that a stop arm confronting a 12-cm disk stops.

[0151]FIG. 60 shows a plan view illustrating the situation that a stop arm confronting an 8-cm disk stops.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0152] An embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the drawings. A disk loading apparatus according to the invention can be used in horizontal, vertical, and upward installation. The last installation indicates that the insertion slot is in the top surface. For simplicity in the following description, the disk loading apparatus is assumed to be in horizontal installation.

[0153] The invention treats: reproducing disks such as music CDs and DVD-ROMs; and recording disks such as DVD-RAMs; both having a diameter of 8 cm or 12 cm. These disks are generically referred to as media, herein. What needs to be considered regarding the loading mechanism is the shape of a medium. Thus, the scheme of recording and reproducing and the recording density are not restricted to the above-mentioned ones.

[0154] The general configuration of the disk loading apparatus is described below at first. Then, the configuration of each section is described in detail.

[0155]FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of the drive apparatus. The basic configuration comprises: a mechanism chassis unit 501 serving as the main body; a traverse unit 502 for recording and reproducing; a roller unit 503 serving as transferring means; a motor base A unit 504; a motor base B unit 505; a check plate unit 506 serving as second retaining means; a top plate unit 507 located above the disk; a clamp unit 508 (see FIG. 21); an out-lever unit 509 serving as first retaining means; and a slide cam unit 510.

[0156] Below the mechanism chassis unit 501, sequentially stacked are the traverse unit 502, a printed circuit board 65 (P board, hereafter), and a lower shield 69 serving as a bottom plate. Above the mechanism chassis unit 501, sequentially stacked are the out-lever unit 509, the slide cam unit 510, the motor base units 504 and 505, the roller unit 503, the top plate unit 507, the clamp unit 508, and the check plate unit 506. A frame 66 serving as a cover closes the top of the mechanism chassis unit 501. In this assembly, an insertion slot for a disk is formed between the mechanism chassis unit 501 and the frame 66. Attachment pieces 66 a and 66 b which are cut and bent inward in both side surfaces of the frame 66 engage with grooves 501 a and 501 b which are provided in the side surfaces of the mechanism chassis unit 501 such as to be open forward and backward. With covering the mechanism chassis unit 501 with the frame 66, the front attachment pieces 66 a are inserted into the front grooves 501 a, while the rear attachment pieces 66 b are inserted into the rear grooves 501 b, whereby alignment is achieved. More specifically, a guide ridge 501 c is provided in the entrance of the rear groove 501 b, whereby the attachment piece 66 b is slid down along the guide ridge 501 c. As such, alignment is achieved. Then, the attachment pieces 66 a and 66 b are screwed to the mechanism chassis unit 501 by screws 70, together with the P board 65 and the lower shield 69.

[0157] A top guide 67 is attached to the frame 66 by screws, and thereby guides the leading edge of a disk 100 when the disk 100 is inserted in the disk insertion slot formed between the frame 66 and the mechanism chassis unit 501.

[0158] Numeral 11 indicates a slide cam rod the center of which is supported rotatably around an axis in the mechanism chassis unit 501 and both ends of which engage with right and left slide cams 12 and 13 of the slide cam unit 510, whereby sliding of the slide cam R 12 causes sliding of the slide cam L 13 in the opposite direction. Numeral 68 indicates a base cover for protecting the P board 65 from the traverse unit 502. A flexible portion 502 a of a flexible lead connected to an optical pickup 30 (see FIG. 8) of the traverse unit 502 bends downward on the base cover 68. The leading tip thereof goes further to the opposite direction downward, and thereby connects to the connector 65 b of the P board 65. Accordingly, the flexible lead can follow the travel of the optical pickup 30.

[0159]FIG. 2 shows mainly the mechanism chassis unit 501, the out-lever unit 509, and the check plate unit 506. In the mechanism chassis unit 501, a switch lever 2 is attached to a boss 1 b of the mechanism chassis 1. The switch lever 2 is enforced to be at the neutral position by a switch lever spring 3. A rib 2 a forming a protrusion in the switch lever 2 at a position departing from the boss goes through a through hole (not shown) in the mechanism chassis 1, and thereby confronts and presses a detection switch 65 d which is provided on the P board 65 attached in the bottom surface of the mechanism chassis 1 and thereby detects the completion of ejection (see FIG. 22).

[0160] A cam 2 b of the switch lever 2 engages with a cam 4 a provided in the bottom surface of the out-lever L4 attached to the mechanism chassis 1, and thereby determines the timing that the rib 2 a of the switch lever 2 confronts the detection switch 65 d on the P board 65. When the out-lever L 4 rotates and when the cam 4 a presses the cam 2 b, the switch lever 2 rotates and the rib 2 a departs from the switch 65 d, whereby switching is carried out. As a result of the operation of the detection switch 65 d, a loading motor 32 rotates in the direction of disk transfer.

[0161] An out-rod 7 is provided such that an out-rod spring 8 is inserted between a hook 7 b and a hook (not shown) of the mechanism chassis 1, and that right and left bosses 1 a and 1 d in the mechanism chassis 1 provided with the switch lever 2 are inserted into elongated holes 7 a and 7 d, respectively. Accordingly, the out-rod 7 is enforced in the +X direction. Each of the elongated holes 7 a and 7 d is provided with a rack 7 c.

[0162] The out-lever L 4 is rotatable attached to the boss 1 a of the mechanism chassis 1 in a manner such as to engage with the rack 7 c of the out-rod 7. An out-lever R 9 is rotatable attached to the boss 1 d of the mechanism chassis 1 in a manner such as to engage with the rack 7 c of the out-rod 7.

[0163] The elevation of the racks in the elongated holes 7 a and 7 d of the out-rod 7 is different from each other. The positional relation between the gear 4 b of the out-lever L 4 and the gear 9 b of the out-lever R 9, each engaging with each rack 7 c, is such that when enforced by the out-rod spring 8, a disk confronting section 4 c substantially having a groove shape in the out-lever L 4 and a disk confronting section 9 c substantially having a groove shape in the out-lever R 9 become close to each other. Starting from this situation, when either the out-lever L 4 or the out-lever R 9 is rotated in the direction departing from each other, the other lever also rotates in cooperation in the opposite direction by the same rotation angle by virtue of the positional relation among the rack 7 c of the out-rod 7 and the gears 4 b and 9 b. Accordingly, the outer edge of the disk is retained by the disk confronting sections 4 c and 9 c in a manner such that the disk can pass through between the disk confronting sections 4 c and 9 c.

[0164] In the out-lever L 4, an in-push arm 5 which can detect disk insertion and disk ejection is enforced to be at the neutral position by an in-push arm spring 6. A rib 5 a which is a protrusion in the in-push arm 5 confronts a cam section 1 c formed in the mechanism chassis 1, and thereby determines the path of the tip 5 b of the in-push arm 5.

[0165] The check plate unit 506 is described later.

[0166] As shown in FIG. 3, the mechanism chassis 1 is provided with an eject button 10. Generally, the center portion of the eject button 10 confronts an eject switch 65 e (see FIGS. 1 and 22) in a manner such that a sufficient stroke is ensured when the eject switch 65 e on the P board 65 is pressed. Further, the amount of deflection in the eject button 10 is restricted in order to avoid damage to the eject switch 65 e even when the tip of the eject switch 65 e is pressed with an extremely strong force.

[0167] A slide cam rod 11 shown in FIG. 3 forms a slide cam unit 510. A hole 11 a substantially in the center engages with a boss 1 e in the bottom surface of the mechanism chassis 1, whereby the slide cam rod 11 is attached in a rotatable manner. AU-shaped groove 11 b in one end of the slide cam rod 11 engages with a boss 12 a of a slide cam R 12, while a U-shaped groove 11 c in the other end engages with a boss 13 a of a slide cam L 13, whereby formed is a link mechanism composed of three sections. Accordingly, the slide cam L 13 moves symmetrically to the slide cam R 12, that is, in the opposite direction. Cams 13 b-13 d are also shaped symmetrically, as described later. After the disk is transferred to a predetermined position, in order to clamp the disk between a spindle motor serving as a disk motor 17 and the clamp unit 508, out-levers 4 and 9 serving as retaining means for retaining the outer edge of the disk depart from the disk slightly. For the purpose of this, a rib 11 d which is a protrusion in the slide cam rod 11 goes through a hole 1 f in the mechanism chassis 1, and thereby engages with a cam 9 d in the out-lever R 9 in the course of rotation of the out-lever R 9. Similarly, a rib 11 e which is a protrusion in the slide cam rod 11 goes through a hole 1 g in the mechanism chassis 1, and thereby engages with a cam 4 d in the out-lever L 4 in the course of rotation of the out-lever R 9.

[0168] Numeral 63 indicates a front guide provided on the mechanism chassis 1 side and opposing to the top guide 67. The front end 63 b is located on the inner side of a center cut-out in (see FIG. 1) serving as the center of the disk insertion slot in the mechanism chassis 1. The rear end 63 c engages with the center portion of a roller shaft 60 for tapered rollers 61, and thereby is supported in a floating state around the roller shaft 60 serving as the fulcrum by a spring. Further, a cam section 63 a capable of being confronted by a boss 5 b in the in-push arm 5 is provided in a position exceeding the roller shaft 60. When the boss 5 b confronts the cam section 63 a, the tip of the boss 5 b protrudes to the insertion slot. Accordingly, when the disk is inserted into the insertion slot, and then guided between the top guide 67 and the front guide 63, and when the leading portion of the outer edge of the disk presses the boss 5 b of the in-push arm 5, the boss 5 b slides the cam section 63 a, and thereby rotates the out-lever L 4 so as to open. As a result, the switch lever 2 is pressed, whereby the detection switch 65 d operates. When the disk is further transferred, the in-push arm 5 slides and rotates in a manner such that the rib 5 a goes along the cam section l, whereby the out-lever L 4 rotates in the state that the outer edge of the disk is gripped by the disk confronting sections 4 c and 9 c. As the out-lever L 4 rotates, by virtue of the out-rod 7, the out-lever R 12 rotates so as to open in the direction opposite to the out-lever L 4. Accordingly, disk transfer is allowed, and the disk can pass through in the state being retained by the levers 4 and 12.

[0169]FIG. 4 shows the situation that the front guide 63, the slide cams 12 and 13, a motor 32, and the like are assembled in the mechanism chassis 1.

[0170]FIGS. 5 and 6 show the slide cam unit 510, the motor base units 504 and 505, and the roller unit 503 serving as rotary retaining means. The slide cam R 12 is provided with a rack section 12 k. A slide rack 14 engaging with a guide groove 14 a (see FIGS. 32 and 33) through a hook 12 h in a slidable manner is attached to the rack section 12 k. The slide rack 14 has an engagement groove 14 b in the bottom surface. When the engagement groove 14 b engages with the lever 12 g of the slide cam R 12, the slide rack 14 is integrated into the slide cam R 12. Further, provided is a rack section 14 c having the same phase as that of the rack section 12 k of the slide cam R 12. A slide rack spring 15 is provided between the protrusion 14 d of the slide rack 14 and the protrusion 12 j of the slide cam R 12, whereby the slide rack 14 is enforced in the +Y direction. A bottom surface protrusion of the head 12 g 1 of the lever 12 g is located in a groove 1 p formed in the mechanism chassis, and thereby engages with a protrusion 1 q in the groove 1 p (see FIG. 34(b)). When the slide rack spring 15 causes the slide rack 14 to depart from the slide cam R 12 (see FIG. 34), a side protrusion of the head 12 g 1 of the lever 12 g departs from the engagement groove 14 b by virtue of the elasticity of the plastics and the tapered shape of the engagement groove 14 b. Further, the slide cam R 12 is positioned such that the bottom surface protrusion of the head 12 g 1 engages with the end of the protrusion 1 q in the groove 1 p. This restricts the travel of the slide cam R 12. When a check cam 54 described later (see FIGS. 16 and 17) presses the slide rack 14 against the slide rack spring 15 to the direction of the slide cam R 12, the head 12 g 1 of the lever 12 g engages with the engagement groove 14 b, whereby the slide rack 14 and the slide cam R 12 engage with each other into one piece by virtue of the tapered shape of the engagement groove 14 b (see FIG. 35). When the head 12 g 1 departs from the end of the protrusion 1 q, the slide cam R 12 becomes slidable. At this time, with engaging with the engagement groove 14 b, the head 12 g 1 moves along the surface of the head 12 g 1, whereby the movement is restricted such as not to go outside the engagement groove 14 b.

[0171] The slide cam R12 comprises: a cam groove 12 b for engaging with a pin 57 d (see FIG. 19) of the top plate unit 507; a cam groove 12 c for engaging with a roller guide 60 a provided in one end of the roller shaft 60; a cam groove 12 d for engaging with a pin 22 a of a traverse chassis 22 shown in FIG. 7; a cam groove 12 e for engaging with a pin (not shown) for avoiding a gap from the mechanism chassis 1; and a cam groove 12 f for engaging with a boss 43 a of the clutch 43 (see FIG. 11). When the slide cam R 12 slides in the direction opposite to the −Y direction, the cam groove 12 b causes the clamp unit 508 to carry out clamping motion, whereby the disk is pressed onto the disk motor 17. The cam groove 12 c lowers the roller guide 60 a, whereby the tapered rollers 61 depart from the disk before disk clamping. The cam groove 12 d raises the traverse unit 502, whereby the disk motor 17 protrudes to the clamp, and thereby supports the disk. The cam groove 12 f rotates the clutch 43, whereby the gear 42 departs from the gear 62 on the roller side. Then, the rotation of the tapered rollers 61 stops, whereby the travel of the disk stops. The tip 12 i of the rib 12 a of the slide cam R 12 confronts a stop switch 65 c on the P board 65, whereby the rotation of the motor 32 stops and the stop position of the slide cam R 12 is indicated. When the slide cam R 12 slides in the reversed direction, the above-mentioned operation is reversed to the original state.

[0172] The slide cam L 13 comprises: a cam groove 13 b for engaging with a pin 57 c of the top plate unit 507; a cam groove 13 c for engaging with the roller guide 60 a; a cam groove 13 d for engaging with a pin 22 b of the traverse chassis 22; and a cam groove 13 e for engaging with a pin (not shown) for avoiding a gap from the mechanism chassis 1. The slide cam L 13 moves in the direction opposite to that of the slide cam R 12 by virtue of the slide rod 11. Accordingly, the shape of the cam is formed symmetrically to the slide cam R 12, as described above.

[0173] In the roller unit 503, the front guide 63 is attached to the center of the roller shaft 60 in a rotatable manner. The roller unit 503 further comprises: the tapered rollers 61 provided on both sides of the roller shaft 60; and the gear 62 pushed into one end of the roller shaft 60. Further, two poly-slide washers are inserted respectively between the tapered rollers 61 and the other member such as the front guide 63 in order to ensure smooth rotation of the tapered rollers 61. A roller guide 60 a is provided in each end of the roller shaft 60, and a compression spring 60 b (see FIG. 38) is inserted between each roller guide 60 a and the mechanism chassis 1, whereby the roller guide 60 a is pressed against the racks forming the cam grooves 12 c and 13 c of the slide cams 12 and 13.

[0174] The motor base units 504 and 505 are described later.

[0175]FIGS. 7 and 8 show a traverse base unit 507. In a traverse base 16, a disk motor 17 is fixed by screws 27, while a stepping motor 18 for driving an optical pickup 30 is fixed by screws 29.

[0176] Guide shafts 25 for guiding the optical pickup 30 is retained by: a shaft spring 20 attached to the traverse base 16 by a screw 29; and tilt springs 19 attached by worm screws 28. After adjustment, the optical pickup 30 is mounted on the guide shafts 25. The disk motor 17 and the stepping motor 18 are connected to a connector 65 a (see FIG. 24) on the bottom surface of the P board 65, through a terminal 21 a in a motor flexible plate 21 using a flexible lead. The optical pickup 30 is connected to a connector 65 b (see FIG. 23) through a flexible lead 502 a.

[0177] A traverse chassis 22 is attached to the traverse base 16 by damper screws 24 each surrounded by a damper 23 provided on the front side of the traverse base 16.

[0178] As for the attachment of the traverse chassis 22 to the mechanism chassis 1, the rear side is elastically supported by ribs (on the rear side, not shown) of the mechanism chassis 1 by using screws 26 and dampers 23 attached in the holes 16 a of the traverse base 16. In the front side, a shaft 22 a engages with a cam groove 13 d of the slide cam L 13, via a engagement groove (not shown) on the rear side of the mechanism chassis 1. Similarly, a shaft 22 b engages with a cam groove 12 d (having a reversed phase to the cam groove 13 d of the slide cam L 13) of the slide cam R 12. The roller shaft 60 is inserted between the cam grooves 13 c and 12 c for the up and down motion of the rollers, in the slide cams L 13 and R 12, respectively. Inclination is in the opposite direction between the cam grooves 13 c, 12 c and the cam grooves 13 d, 12 d. Accordingly, the shafts 22 a and 22 b of the traverse chassis 22 do not go outside the cam grooves 13 d and 12 d of the slide cams 12 and 13.

[0179] The traverse base 16 rotates between the position in which the disk motor 17 supports the disk and the position in which the disk motor 17 departs from the disk, around the damper 23 on the rear side in linkage with the motion of the slide cam R 12.

[0180]FIGS. 9 and 10 show the motor base A unit 504. The motor base A unit 504 comprises: a loading motor 32 attached to a motor base A 31 by screws 37; a gear 33 pushed into the shaft of the loading motor 32; a gear 34 fixed to the motor base A 31 in a rotatable manner within the same series of gears as the gear 33; a pulley gear 35; and a pulley belt 36 around the pulley section 35 a thereof.

[0181] In the motor base A unit 504, the opposite side of the pulley belt 36 goes around the pulley section 41 a of the pulley gear 41 in the motor base B unit 505 described later, whereby the driving force is transmitted. The motor base A unit 504 is fixed to the mechanism chassis 1 by elongated holes 31 a for positioning and square holes 31 b for avoiding a gap.

[0182] FIGS. 11-13 show Y the motor base B unit 505. The motor base B unit 505 comprises: a gear 39 attached to a motor base B 38; a gear 40 and a pulley gear 41 fixed to the motor base B 38 in a rotatable manner within the same series of gears as the gear 39; a gear 42 attached to the clutch 43 by a cut washer 44; and a clutch spring 45 for enforcing the clutch 43 in the +R direction.

[0183] A hole 43 b in the clutch 43 and a center hole 41 b in the pulley gear 41 are fixed coaxially to a shaft 38 b in the motor base B 38 by a cut washer 44. The gear 42 serves as a planetary gear around the pulley gear 41 within the rotatable range of the clutch 43. The clutch 43 comprises: a pin 43 a used for engaging with the cam groove 12 f of the slide cam R 12 by a clutch spring 45; and a protrusion 43 c serving as a stopper for confronting the cam groove 12 f of the slide cam R 12 when the clutch 43 rotates largely in the +R direction.

[0184] The pulley belt 36 goes around the pulley section 41 a of the pulley gear 41 as described above. The revolution of the pulley belt 36 is transmitted to the gears 40 and 42, and then transmitted from the gear 40 to the gear 39. When the gear 39 engages with the rack sections 12 k and 14 c of the slide rack 14 and the slide cam R 12, the slide cam R 12 starts to slide. In the course of the slide, the slide cam R 12 operates as described above.

[0185] The motor base B unit 505 is fixed using: protrusions 38 d and 38 e for positioning by engaging with the holes in the mechanism chassis 1 positioning; and claws 38 c for avoiding a gap.

[0186] FIGS. 14-17 show the check plate unit 506. The check plate unit 506 comprises a four-section link composed of: a side arm 45 supported around a pin 46 a of a set lever 46 and enforced by a side arm spring 49; a set lever 46 in which a hole 46 b of the side arm 45 is attached around a pin 46 b of the check lever 48 in a rotatable manner; a stop arm 47 a hole 47 a of which is attached around a pin 48 b of the check lever 48 in a rotatable manner and which is enforced by a stop arm spring 50. The check plate unit 506 further comprises: a check plate 53 serving as a first cam plate; and a check cam 54 serving as a second cam plate attached to the check plate 53 in a movable manner.

[0187] The check cam 54 fits into a recess 53 p of the check plate 53 in a slidable manner. A hook-shaped guide protrusion 54 a provided on a side engages with a slit-shaped guide groove 53 c provided on a side of the recess 53 p, in a slidable manner. The other side 54 d engages with a claw 53 k provided in the check plate 53, in the width direction. Accordingly, the check cam 54 is attached such as not to drop from the check plate 53, in a slidable manner in the Y direction. The check cam 54 is provided with a rib 54 b serving as a protrusion for engaging with a groove 14 e which is formed in the slide rack 14 in order for the slide rack 14 to slide. Further, the check cam 54 is provided with a cam groove 54 c for engaging with a pin 48 e of the check lever 48. The cam groove 54 c has substantially an L shape, whereby the pin 48 a enters from an end of the groove. In case of a disk of large size, the pin 48 e goes to the leading end, and thereby presses the check cam 54. Then, the rib 54 b presses the slide rack 14. In case of a disk of small size, before the pin 48 turns to the leading end, the pin 48 presses the side surface of the cam groove having substantially an L shape, and thereby moves the check cam 54. Then, the rib 54 b presses the slide rack 14.

[0188] The hook-shaped guide p in 48 a of the check lever 48 forming the above-mentioned 4-section link engages with a guide groove 53 b of the check plate 53 in a slidable manner. The hook-shaped guide pin 46 d of the set lever 46 engages with a guide groove 53 a of the check plate 53 in a slidable manner. The pin 48 c of the check lever 48 engages with a cam groove 53 g of the check plate 53. The pin 45 a of the side arm 45 engages with the stopper section of the cam groove 531 of the check plate 53 by spring action, and thereby restricts the motion of the set lever 46 and the check lever 48 caused by vibration and the like. The elongated hole 46 c of the set lever 46 engages with the pin 53 h of the check plate 53 in a rotatable manner. In case of a 12-cm disk, the pin 47 b of the stop arm 47 engages with the cam groove 53 i of the check plate 53. The pin 47 b is then pressed by the disk, and thereby confronts the protrusion 53 t of the cam groove 53 i. Accordingly, the rotation is restricted and stops (see FIG. 59). In case of an 8-cm disk, the pin 47 c confronts the protrusion 53 u of the cam groove 53 j. Accordingly, the rotation is restricted and stops (see FIG. 60). Further, the pin 48 e of the check lever 48 engages with the cam groove 54 c of the check cam 54 as described above. Numerals 45 b and 47 d indicate confronting sections having substantially a groove shape and confronting the outer edge of the disk.

[0189] When the check plate 53 is assembled, a set lever spring 51 is inserted around a spring stud 46 e, and thereby enforces the set lever 46 in the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 17. A check lever spring 52 (tension spring) is stretched between the hook 48 f of the check lever 48 and the hook 53 n of the check plate 53, whereby the substantially groove-shaped disk confronting section 48 d side of the check lever 48 is rotated around the shaft 48 a so as to face in the direction of the outer edge of the disk. As such, the check lever 48 and the like are retained on the check plate 53 by the attachment of the check lever spring 52 and by the engagement between the guide pins 46 d, 48 a and the guide grooves 53 a, 53 b.

[0190] These levers and arms travel along the guide and cam grooves in the check plate 53, whereby disk insertion and disk ejection are carried out. When a disk is inserted and then passes the out-lever unit 509 by, the outer edge of the disk confronts and rotates the confronting section 45 b of the side arm 45 against the side arm spring 49. Accordingly, the pin 45 a is released from the engagement with the stopper section of the cam groove 531. At the same time, a force is exerted on the set lever 46 in the longitudinal direction. However, the direction of the force is perpendicular to the cam grooves 53 a and 53 b. Accordingly, the rotation of the set lever 46 is restricted and does not occur. With confronting the side arm 45, the outer edge of the disk further confronts the confronting section 48 d of the check lever 48. Then, the guide pin 48 a of the check lever 48 travels along the cam groove 53 b, while the guide pin 46 d of these t lever 46 travels along the cam groove 53 a. Further, the elongated hole 46 c travels around the shaft 53 h. This permits the rotation of the set lever 46. The pin 45 a of the side arm 45 slides along the cam groove 531, while the set lever 46 and the check lever 48 rotate so as to open relatively to each other. When the disk is inserted, and when the outer edge of the disk confronts at first the confronting section 48 d of the check lever 48 and thereby rotates the confronting section 45 b, but when the disk does not press the set lever 46, the pin 48 c engages with the stopper section 53 g 1 of the guide groove 53 g, and thereby restricts the rotation. When the outer edge of the disk confronts the confronting section 45 b and thereby presses and rotates the set lever 46, the pin 48 c is released from the stopper section 53 g 1. This permits the rotation of the check lever 48. As a result, when the disk is off-centered and hence presses only one of the set lever 46 and the check lever 48, the restriction in lever rotation causes the centering of the disk. Accordingly, the disk presses both levers. This permits the rotation of both levers and hence the entrance of the disk.

[0191] When the disk enters between the set lever 46 and the check lever 48, the outer edge of the disk presses and rotates the confronting section 47 d of the stop arm 47 against the stop arm spring 50 into the state that the pin 47 b engages with the protrusion 53 t of the cam groove 53 i. The check lever 48 temporarily stops the rotation at the engagement section 53 g 3 (see FIG. 59). The set lever 46 also stops.

[0192] In response to the rotation of the check lever 48, the pin 48 e engages with the cam groove 54 c of the check cam 54, and thereby moves the check cam 54, whereby the above-mentioned slide rack 14 engages with the gear. In case of a large disk of the diameter of 12 cm, because of the relation to the set lever 46 pressed by the disk, the pin 48 c of the check lever 48 passes through the first groove 53 g 2 of the cam groove 53 g. Before the pin 48 c reaches and engages with the engagement section 53 g 3, the pin 48 e is positioned at the end of the engagement groove 54 c, and thereby moves the check cam 54. The motion of slide cams 12 and 13 is caused by the motion of the check cam 54, whereby the check cam 54 is pressed. Then, the pin 48 e is pressed in reverse by the cam groove 54 c, whereby the check lever 48 is rotated further. At that time, the pin 48 c moves into the groove 53 g 4 continuing to the far end of the first groove 53 g 2. In case of a small disk of the diameter of 8 cm, the pin passes through the second groove 53 g 5 of the cam groove 53 g and reaches the engagement section 53 g 6. In the course of passage, the pin press the side of the cam groove 54 c of the check cam 54. When the slide cams 12 and 13 moves similarly to the above-mentioned case, the pin 48 e is pressed by the cam groove 54 c, whereby the check lever 48 is rotated further. At that time, the pin 48 c moves into the groove 53 g 7 continuing to the far end of the second groove 53 g 5. When the check lever 48 rotates along the groove 53 g 4 or 53 g 7, the confronting section 48 d of the check lever 48 departs from the outer edge of the disk. At the same time, the confronting sections 45 b and 47 b of the set lever 46 and the set lever 46 also depart from the disk.

[0193] That is, before the disk goes to the position in which the stop arm 47 stops at the engagement position, the slide cam R 12 and slide cam L 13 slide, whereby the clutch gear 42 departs from the roller gear 62. Accordingly, the rotation of the roller unit 503 stops, and then disk transfer stops. Then, the rollers 61 for transferring the disk depart from the disk. At that time, in order to maintain the groove bottom surfaces of the confronting sections 45 b and 48 d to be departing from the outer edge of the disk, for example, by 0.5 mm or the like, the pin 48 c of the check lever 48 engages with the engagement section 53 g 3 or 53 g 6 (for a small disk) of the cam groove 53 g. Accordingly, the center hole in the disk engages with a protrusion which has an inclined side surface of a substantially trapezoidal shape and is formed in the upper edge of the disk motor 17. This permits easy centering of the disk. Then, the slide rack 14 traveling together with the slide cam R 12 travels and thereby causes the travel of the check cam 54. Accordingly, the cam groove 54 c presses the pin 48 e in reverse. This causes the set lever 46 and the check lever 48 to open in order for the confronting sections 45 b and 48 d to depart further from the outer edge of the disk by one or a few mm. This permits clamping of the disk onto the disk motor 17. In case of a 12-cm disk, in the stop arm 47, when the pin 48 c of the check lever 48 enters from the engagement section 53 g 3 into the groove 53 g 4, the protrusion 47 b is released from the engagement section 53 t as shown in FIG. 59. Then, the protrusion 47 f of the stop arm 47 confronts the protrusion 53 v of the cam groove 53 j, whereby the confronting section 47 d rotates so as to depart from the disk. In case of an 8-cm disk, in the stop arm 47, when the pin 48 c of the check lever 48 enters from the engagement section 53 g 6 into the groove 53 g 7, the protrusion 47 c is released from the engagement section 53 u as shown in FIG. 60. Then, a protrusion (not shown) in the bottom surface of the protrusion 47 g of the stop arm 47 confronts the protrusion 53 x of the cam groove 53 j, whereby the confronting section 47 d rotates so as to depart from the disk.

[0194] At that time, linking is made such that the motion of the slide cams 12 and 13 causes the ribs 11 d and 11 e of the slide cam rod 11 to engage with the cam grooves 4 d and 9 d of the out-levers 5 and 9, and thereby causes the out-levers 5 and 9 depart from the disk.

[0195] As for the fix and attachment of the check plate 53 to the mechanism chassis 1, the hole 53 f is fixed to the boss 1 i with claw (see FIG. 3) of the mechanism chassis 1, while the claws 53 k and 53 e are engaged with the holes 1 k and 1 j, respectively.

[0196] At this time, the attachment is made such that the rib 54 b of the check cam 54 engages with the groove 14 e of the slide rack 14. Further, an arc-shaped recess 53 r through which the clamp unit 508 passes is provided in the center of the front end of the check plate 53.

[0197]FIGS. 18 and 19 show top plate unit 507. The top plate unit 507 comprises: a top plate 57; top pads 59 attached to the top plate 57; and a clamp lock 58 attached to a barring 57 a in a rotatable manner by a screw 60 passing through a hole 58 c in the middle portion.

[0198] In the top plate 57, shafts 57 b at both ends of the top plate 57 are attached in a rotatable manner in holes 1 h (see FIG. 2) at both ends of the mechanism chassis 1. A protrusion 57 c engages with a cam groove 13 b of the slide cam L 13, while a protrusion 57 d engages with a cam groove 12 b (having a reversed phase to the cam groove of the slide cam L 13) of the slide cam R 12 (see FIG. 45). In linkage with the motion of the slide cam R 12, the top plate 57 rotates around the shafts 57 b, whereby the top pads 59 clamping the disk in cooperation with the tapered rollers 61 can depart from the disk. This permits later clamping.

[0199] Each top pad 59 is attached to a member 57 e having a chevron shape in the top plate 57, and thereby retains the outer edge alone of the disk against a tapered roller 61 on the opposite side. This permits disk transfer without causing scratches in the disk. Numeral 59 a indicates an attachment section. Numeral 57 f indicates a counter attachment section.

[0200] In the clamp lock 58, an arc-shaped section 58 d at the tip is enforced in the R direction by a clamp lock spring 58 c. Between the arc-shaped section 58 d and the arc-shaped recess 53 r of the check plate 53, a clamp unit 508 described later is pushed up by an inclined surface 58 b formed along the inner circumference of the arc-shaped section 58 d. This avoids droop of the clamp unit 508 and maintains the locked state. Accordingly, contact to the clamp unit 508 is avoided during disk insertion. At the same time, the load to the drive mechanism is reduced when the clamp unit 508 is released at disk ejection.

[0201] A protruding rib 58 a in the top plate 57 confronts the rib 13 d of the slide cam L 13 immediately before the completion of disk loading (see FIG. 3). Then, the rib 58 a is pressed by the slide cam L 13, and thereby rotates in the +R direction. Accordingly, the lock of the clamp unit 508 is released, and so is the clamp unit 508 itself. Then, the disk 100 is clambed between the clamp unit 508 and the disk motor 17. This permits the rotation of the disk 100 by the disk motor 17.

[0202]FIGS. 20 and 21 show the clamp unit 508. In the clamp unit 508, a clamp B 55 contains a magnet 121 and a back yoke 120, and then is covered by a clamp A 56. Three engagement claws 56 a in the clamp A 56 engage with claw receptions 55 a in the clamp B 55, whereby the assembly is completed. The clamp unit 508 magnetically sticks to the disk motor 17, and thereby clamps and fixes the disk therebetween. The clamp is relesed by being pushed up by the inclined surface 58 b of the clamp lock 58. Numeral 58 b indicates a protrusion for positioning by engaging with the recess 17 a (see FIG. 7) on top of the disk motor 17 during disk clamping.

[0203] FIGS. 22-24 show the P board 65. As described above, the connector 65 a on the bottom surface of the P board 65 is connected to the terminal 21 a of the motor flexible plate 21 of the stepping motor 18. The connector 65 b on the top surface is connected to the flexible lead 502 a of the optical pickup 30. A base cover 68 covers the output section of the P board 65. An FPC cover 64 covers the connector 65 b. The base cover 68 and the FPC cover 64 guide the intermediate bent portion of the flexible lead 502 a of the optical pickup 30. Numeral 65 c indicates a stop switch serving also as a switch for detecting the completion of disk loading.

[0204] In the P board 65, positioning pins (not shown) on the bottom surface of the mechanism chassis 1 engage with holes in the P board 65. The P board 65 and the mechanism chassis 1 are fixed to the frame 66 by screws 70 with being sandwiched by the lower shield 69.

[0205] Loading of a 12-cm disk is described below.

[0206] When a 12-cm disk 100 is inserted into the slot formed between the top surface of the mechanism chassis 1 and the frame 66 as shown in FIG. 1, the 12-cm disk 100 confronts the lever 5 b of the in-push arm 5 attached at the tip of the out-lever L 4 in a rotatable manner, as shown in FIG. 25, whereby the in-push arm 5 rotates in the −R direction. Before the rotation of the in-push arm 5, the boss 5 a of the in-push arm 5 confronts the cam section 63 a of the front guide 63. At the same time, the out-levers L 4 and R 9 are linked to each other by the out-rod 7, whereby the out-levers L 4 and R 9 are restricted such as not to be moved separately by external disturbance such as vibration and shock. In this situation, the lower-surface cam 4 d of the out-lever L 4 confronts the the cam section 2 b of the switch lever 2, whereby the boss 2 a of the switch lever 2 presses the detection switch 65 d on the P board 65.

[0207] As described above, when the in-push arm 5 rotates, the boss 5 a thereof slides along the cam section 63 a, and at the same time, the out-lever L 4 carrying the in-push arm 5 rotates. The lower-surface cam 4 d goes from the cam section 2 b of the switch lever 2 to the cam groove 2 e (see FIG. 3). Accordingly, the switch lever 2 rotates in the +R direction, whereby the boss 2 a departs from the detection switch 65 d on the P board 65. A CPU detects this change, and thereby causes the loading motor 32 to rotatee in the direction that the tapered rollers 61 transfers the 12-cm disk 100 into the apparatus. The 12-cm disk 100 is transferred in the state that the outer edge alone of the disk 100 is retained between the tapered rollers 61 and the top pads 59 which are on the opposite sides with respect to the disk 100. Accordingly, the recording surface and the back surface of the disk 100 are not contacted, and hence do not suffer scratches.

[0208] The 12-cm disk 100 is transferred into the apparatus in the state that the outer edge is retained among the guide groove 9 c of the confronting section of the out-lever R 9, the guide groove 4 c of the confronting section of the out-lever L 4, and the guide of the in-push arm 5, as shown in FIG. 26. The out-levers R 9 and L 4 rotate such as to depart from each other depending on the diameter of the disk 100. Here, the out-levers R9 and L4 are linked to each other by the out-rod 7. Accordingly, the angle of rotation is substantially the same in both levers. This avoids the side shift of the center of the disk 100.

[0209] The 12-cm disk 100 is transferred further into the apparatus in the state that the outer edge is retained among the guide groove 9 c of the confronting section of the out-lever R9, the guide groove 4 c of the confronting section of the out-lever L 4, and the guide of the in-push arm 5, as shown in FIG. 27. The leading edge of the 12-cm disk 100 then confronts the confronting section 45 b of the guide groove of the side arm 45, and thereby rotates the side arm 45 relatively to the set lever 46. This releases the restriction on the set lever 46, and thereby permits the rotation on the check plate 53.

[0210] As shown in FIG. 28, after being retained by the side arm 45, the 12-cm disk 100 also confronts the confronting section 48 d of the guide groove of the check lever 48. This permits the check lever 48 to travel on the check plate 53. The set lever 46 is provided with a guide section 46 d in the vicinity of the tip. The guide section 46 d and the guide section 48 a of the check lever 48 engage with the cam grooves 53 a and 53 b of the check plate 53 in a slidable manner (see FIG. 14). Accordingly, the set lever 46 and the check lever 48 are restricted by the cam shapes of the cam grooves 53 a and 53 b of the check plate 53 in order to ensure that the center hole of the disk 100 does not deviate largely from the center of the disk motor 17 when the disk insertion is completed, and that the path of insertion of the center hole of the disk 100 passes through the center of the disk motor 17.

[0211] As shown in FIG. 29, the outer edge of the 12-cm disk 100 confronts and rotates the stop lever 47, and thereby causes the engagement of the stop lever 47 at a predetermined position. As shown in FIG. 29, the disk 100 is transferred into the apparatus in the state that the outer edge is retained among the out-lever L 4, the out-lever R 9, the set lever 46, and the check lever 48. The check cam 54 is provided with a cam groove 54 c which has substantially an L shape and engages with the pin 48 e in order that the pin 48 e of the check lever 48 pushes the check cam 54 in the −Y direction immediately before the completion of disk insertion. The check cam 54 having been pushed out pushes the engaging slide rack 14 in the −Y direction. Accordingly, starting from the state shown in FIG. 32 that the rack sections 14 c and 12 k of the slide rack 14 and the slide cam R 12 have a different phase from each other, and that the engagement between the the the rack sections 14 c and 12 k and the gear 39 is inhibited by the groove 1 p of the mechanism chassis 1 and the head 12 g 1 serving as a claw of the lever 12 g of the slide cam R 12, the state changes as follows. That is, the rack sections 14 c and 12 k of the slide rack 14 and the slide cam R 12 go into the in-phase state as shown in FIG. 33. Further, as shown in FIGS. 34-36, the head 12 g 1 of the slide cam R 12 engages with the engagement groove 14 b of the slide rack 14. Then, the lock is released between the tip of the protrusion 1 q in the groove 1 p of the mechanism chassis 1 and the head 12 g 1 of the slide cam R 12, whereby the rack section 14 c of the slide rack 14 engages with the gear 39. Then, as shown in FIG. 33, the rack section 12 k of the slide cam R 12 also engages with the gear 39. After that, the slide rack 14 and the slide cam R 12 travel as one piece.

[0212] As for the gear engagement action of the roller gear 62 before the the slide rack 14 starts to move, as shown in FIG. 32, the pulley gear 41 connected by the belt 36 to the loading motor 32 via the reduction gears engages with the gears 41, 42, and 62 in the roller revolution system, and at the same time, transmits a driving force to the gears 40 and 42 in the traverse mechanism elevation system. However, at this time, the gear 39 does not engage with the slide cam R 12 and the slide rack 14. Accordingly, the roller revolution system is solely powered.

[0213] After the the slide rack 14 starts to move, as shown in FIGS. 33-37, the cam section 43 a of the clutch 43 is pushed up by the cam section 12 f of the slide cam R 12, whereby the gear 42 attached to the clutch 43 departs from the gear 62 pushed into the roller shaft 60, in terms of the gear pitch. Accordingly, the transmission of the driving force to the roller revolution system is lost gradually.

[0214] On completion of the engagement of the gear 39 to the slide cam R 12 and the slide rack 14 as shown in FIG. 37, the traverse mechanism elevation system is solely powered.

[0215] As shown in FIG. 30, in response to the motion of the slide cam R 12 after the completion of disk insertion, until immediately before the state that the disk 100 is retained by the spindle motor 17 and the clamp unit 50, the 12-cm disk 100 is transferred in the manner that the disk 100 is supported by the out-lever L 4, the out-lever R 9, the set lever 46, and the check lever 48 in the state having a gap of 0.5 mm or the like around the outer edge of the disk 100. This reduces the amount of off-centering during the disk retaining, and hence improves the centering performance.

[0216] Immediately before the completion of disk loading, as shown in FIG. 31, the 12-cm disk 100 is transferred in the manner that the disk 100 is supported by the out-lever L 4, the out-lever R 9, the set lever 46, and the check lever 48 in the state having a gap of 1.5-2 mm or the like around the outer edge of the disk 100. This avoids damage to the disk 100 caused by shock and vibration. This permits the disk 100 to be clamped on the disk motor 17 with precise centering.

[0217] In linkage with the motion of the slide cam R 12, carried out similarly are the up and down motion of the roller unit 503, the up and down motion of the traverse base 16, and the up and down motion of the top plate 57.

[0218] As for the up and down motion of the roller unit 503, as shown in FIGS. 38(a) and 39, when the slide cam R 12 does not move, the roller ring 60 a in the roller guide forming the rack is not affected by the cam section 12 c of the slide cam R 12. Then, as shown in FIGS. 38(b) and 40, depending on the thickness of the disk, the tapered rollers 61 serving as rotary retaining means go down with compressing the spring 60 b, whereby the driving force of the above-mentioned roller revolution system is transmitted to the disk 100.

[0219] As shown in FIGS. 38(c) and 41, when the slide cam R 12 starts to move, the roller ring 60 a in the roller guide engages with the cam section 12 c of the slide cam R12, whereby the tapered rollers 61 go down. The revolution of the tapered rollers 61 going down stops when the transmission of the driving force from the roller revolution system stops. At last, as shown in FIGS. 38(d) and 42, a gap of 1.5-2 mm or the like is ensured around the disk 100. This avoids damage to the disk 100 caused by shock and vibration.

[0220] As for the up and down motion of the traverse base 16, as shown in FIG. 43, when the slide cam R 12 does not move, the shafts 22 a and 22 b which are guide pins of the traverse chassis 22 attached to the traverse base 16 via the dampers 23 engage with the the cam grooves 12 d and 13 d of the slide cam R 12 and the slide cam L13. Accordingly, the traverse base 16 is retained in an inclined state.

[0221] In the inclined state, on completion of the disk 100 transfer, the slide cam R 12 starts to move. Then, the slide cam rod 11 causes the slide cam L 13 to move in the opposite direction. Accordingly, the shafts 22 a and 22 b engaging with the cam grooves 12 d and 13 d move along the cam shapes, whereby the traverse base 16 gradually goes substantially to the level state.

[0222] On completion of the disk 100 centering in which the recess 17 a of the spindle motor 17 engages with the protrusion 55 b of the clamp unit 508, the traverse base 16 is substantially in the level state as shown in FIG. 44.

[0223] At last, as for the up and down motion of the top plate 57, as shown in FIG. 45(a), when the slide cam R 12 does not move, the top pads 59 for retaining the disk 100 agaist the tapered rollers 61 are substantially in the level state. The clamp retaining section 57 e of the top plate 57 containing the clamp unit 508 for retaining the disk 100 is sufficiently departing from the disk 100. At this time, in the clamp unit 508, the clamp lock 58 resolves the gap in order to prevent the clamp from drooping and contacting to the disk 100.

[0224] As shown in FIG. 45(b), when the disk 100 is inserted, the elevation of the top pads 59 is retained by the cam groove 12 b of the slide cam R 12, whereby the top pads 59 do not move. In contrast, the tapered rollers 61 on the opposing side go down depending on the thickness of the disk 100. Then, the disk 100 is inserted by the driving force from the roller revolution system.

[0225] After the disk insertion, when the slide cam R 12 starts to move., as shown in FIG. 46(a), the top plate 57 rotates gradually by virtue of the cam shape of the slide cam R 12. The top pads 59 are inclined and enforced in the direction departing from the disk 100, whereby the clamp retaining section 57 e containing the clamp unit 508 goes substantially to the level state. At this time, the clamp lock 58 restricts the elevation of the clamp unit 508, until immediately before the clamp unit 508 clamps the disk 100 aginst the spindle motor 17.

[0226] On completion of the disk 100 centring relative to the spindle motor 17 and the clamp unit 508, that is, when the disk 100 is placed on the spindle motor 17 in the centered state, the clamp lock 58 departs from the clamp unit 508 as shown in FIG. 46(b). Then, the clamp retaining section 57 e of the top plate 57 goes substantially to the level state.

[0227] The eject action by the eject switch 65 e is an action reverse to the above-mentioned disk loading action, and hence is carried out by the reversed procedure.

[0228]FIGS. 47 and 48 show the forced ejection mechanism and its operation. The forced ejection mechanism is a disk ejection mechanism used when the power is off. The forced ejection mechanism comprises: means for enforcing and pressing manually the slide cam R 12 in the direction opposite to that of disk loading; and means for enforcing and rotating manually the roller gear 62 in the direction that the disk 100 is transferred out.

[0229]FIG. 47(a) shows: the slide cam R 12; and the eject lever 140 forming a fourth rack provided in the vicinity of the slide cam R 12; in the state that the loading is completed. The eject lever 140 is enforeced such as to be pressed against the inner surface of the mechanism chassis 1, by the spring 141. In order to eject the disk 100 inside the loading mechanism, the eject lever 140 is pressed against the spring i41 by the pin 142 through the hole 143 in the mechanism chassis 1.

[0230] As shown in FIG. 47(b), the eject lever 140 pressed by the pin 142 engages with the slide cam R 12, whereby the slide cam R 12 is moved to the position of the completion of traveling of the slide cam R 12 at disk ejection. Accordingly, the tapered rollers 61 go up and thereby contact to the outer edge of the disk 100. At this time, the upper rack 144 of the eject lever 140 engages with the gear 62, and thereby rotates the gear 62 in the direction of the disk 100 ejection. In response to the rotation, the disk 100 is ejected.

[0231] As shown in FIG. 48(a), the pin 142 can not be pressed freely exceeding the position of the completion of traveling of the slide cam R 12. Accordingly, when the pin 142 is fully pressed, a moment is exerted on the eject lever 140. This moment rotates the eject lever 140, and thereby disengages the uppe rack 144 and the gear 62.

[0232] As shown in FIG. 48(b), when the pressing force exerted on the pin 142 being fully pressed is released, the pin 142 is pressed back out of the apparatus by the enforcing spring 141. At this time, with the rotation being maintained, the eject lever 140 returs to the position shown in FIG. 47(a).

[0233] As shown in FIG. 48(c), in the situation that the slide cam R 12 is down at the position of the completion of traveling at ejection, when the eject lever 140 is pressed again by the pin 142, the upper rack 144 of the eject lever 140 engages with the gear 62, and thereby rotates the gear 62 in the direction of the disk 100 ejection. Accordingly, the tapered rollers 61 rotate. In response to the rotation, the disk 100 is ejected.

[0234] The disk 100 ejection is achieved by repeating the operation shown in FIG. 48. The pin 142 is operated manually.

[0235] As an electrical forced disk ejection mechanism, when the frequency or the duration in which the eject switch 65 e is pressed through the eject button 10 is high or long, respectively, the disk may be moved towards the ejection during the pressing of the eject button 10. Further, when the frequency and the duration are low and short, respectively, the eject button 10 may be used as a load/eject switch for normal use. As such, the single eject switch 65 e can select various transferring modes. Further, in case that the eject switch 65 e is pressed depending on the detection operation of the switch for detecting the completion of disk loading or the switch for detecting the completion of disk ejection, when the switch is pressed, for example, during disk loading, ejection may be carried out by the disk transferring means. When the switch is pressed during disk ejection, and when the duration is, for example, 1 sec or shorter, the mode maybe changed into disk loading. In contrast, when the duration is longer, the mode may be determined as electrical forced disk ejection, whereby the disk is moved towards the ejection during the pressing of the eject button 10.

[0236]FIG. 49 is a block diagram showing the configuration of this disk loading apparatus provided on the P board 65. A laser drive circuit 130 causes the optical pickup (head) 30 to irradiate the disk 100 with laser light. The signal from the disk 100 is received by the light receiving section of the optical pickup 30, and then processed by a reproduction signal processing circuit 131. Numeral 132 indicates a modulation and demodulation circuit thereof. Numeral 133 indicates a RAM. Numeral 134 indicates a micro-processing unit (MPU). Numeral 135 indicates a personal computer (PC). The optical pickup 30 is provided with a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature in the vicinity of the recording film in the disk 100.

[0237] Numeral 136 indicates a PWM drive circuit for motor system. In the PWM (pulse width modulation), a constant voltage is supplied as pulses. By changing the width of the supplied pulses, the drive circuit supplies a current equivalent to the integration of the supplied pulses to the motor 17.

[0238] The PWM drive circuit can control precisely the drive current to the motor 17. Accordingly, in case that the profile of the supplied current is set in firmware, no changing is necessary for the circuit constants and the drive mechanism. Further, the circuit contributes to reduction in the operation sound and improvement in the reliability.

[0239] In general, lower loading sound is preferable during the ordinary use. Accordingly, gera ratios in the loading mechanism and firm specification are set assuming the use of standard disks. Nevertheless, in the use of abnormal disks or at low temperatures, the torque can be insufficient. This has caused the problem that the disk cannot be transferred, and the like.

[0240] According to the invention, the firmware specification of load and eject operations is set different between guaranteed temperature conditions and unguaranteed temperature conditions of 5° C. or lower where the load to the loading mechanism increases. Thus, the above-mentioned problem is resolved. Temperature for the mode switching is measured by the temperature sensor in the optical pickup 30.

[0241]FIG. 50 shows the profiles in the PWM drive circuit of a disk loading apparatus according to the invention during disk loading and disk ejection. In FIG. 50(a), the vertical axis indicates PWM drive voltage, while the horizontal axis indicates the time during the operation. In FIG. 50(b), the vertical axis indicates PWM drive current which is the integration of the supplied pulses from the PWM drive circuit to the motor, while the horizontal axis indicates the time during the operation. For example, when the reference voltage is 12 V, and when the pulse duty is 50%, the current supplied to the motor is equivalent to a constant current of 6 V.

[0242]FIG. 51(a) shows the profiles in the PWM drive circuit during the disk loading within the guaranteed temperature range. In general, during disk loading, disk transfer needs a longer time, and thereby is operated at the pulse duty of a % in order to reduce the loading sound. Motion of the traverse base needs a high power but completes immediately, and thereby is operated at the pulse duty of b %.

[0243] In the disk loading mechanism using tapered rollers 61, a higher load during disk transfer is caused by: sticked adhessive and cutting fins on the disk thickness and the disk edge; and coating on the label surface of the disk 100. Further, as a result of aging, slip occurs in the tapered rollers 61 and the shafts 60 and between the belt 36 and the pulleies. This reduces the transmitted torque, and thereby causes a ligher load during disk transfer.

[0244] Even in case of disk transfer at such a ligh load, the initial duty of a % in which the disk 100 cannot be transferred goes to b % as time precedes. This permits smooth transfer of the disk 100, and thereby avoids problems in the normal use. For the purpose of this, the time-out is set at twice or longer of the normal loading time. Further, the pulse duty is set at maximum when the time is out.

[0245]FIG. 51(b) shows the profiles in the PWM drive circuit during the disk loading outside the guaranteed temperature range. Assumed is disk loading in early morning in mid winter. The PWM pulse duty is set at c % which is higher than the value b % used within the guaranteed temperature range. In general, the load to the loading mechanism at low temperatures increases as high as 1.5 times or greater of that at normal temperatures. Accordingly, the time-out is set at four times or longer of the normal loading time.

[0246]FIG. 52(a) shows the profiles in the PWM drive circuit during the disk ejection within the guaranteed temperature range (normal usable temperature range). In general, during disk ejection, motion of the traverse base needs a high power but completes immediately, and thereby is operated at the pulse duty of b %. In contrast, disk transfer needs a longer time, and thereby is operated at the pulse duty of a % in order to reduce the loading sound.

[0247] Even in case of the disk 100 transfer at ligh load, the initial duty of a % in which the disk 100 cannot be transferred goes to b % as time procedes. This permits smooth transfer of the disk 100, and thereby avoids problems in the normal use. For the purpose of this, the time-out is set at twice or longer of the normal loading time. Further, the pulse duty is set at maximum when the time is out.

[0248]FIG. 52(b) shows the profiles in the PWM drive circuit during the disk ejection outside the guaranteed temperature range. Assumed is the disk 100 ejection in early morning in mid winter. The PWM pulse duty is set at c % which is higher than the value b % used within the guaranteed temperature range. In general, the load to the loading mechanism at low temperatures increases as high as 1.5 times or greater of that at normal temperatures. Accordingly, the time-out is set at four times or longer of the normal loading time.

[0249] FIGS. 53-58 show the loading operation of an 8-cm disk. FIG. 53 corresponds to FIG. 25. FIG. 54 corresponds to FIG. 27. FIG. 55 corresponds to FIG. 28. FIG. 56 corresponds to FIG. 29. FIG. 57 corresponds to FIG. 30. FIG. 58 corresponds to FIG. 31. As seen from the comparison between these figures, the degree of opening between the in-push arm 5 attached at the tip of the out-lever L 4 and the out-lever R 9 during disk insertion, because the 8-cm disk is smaller than a 12-cm disk. Further, the degree of engagement among the side arm 45, the set lever 46, the stop arm 47, and the check lever 48 is different in the course of disk transfer. The transfer path is determined by the cam grooves in the check plate 53 and the check cam 54. That is, as shown in FIG. 55, the outer edge of the disk 100 a confronts the confronting sections of the set lever 46 and the check lever 48, and thereby causes rotation and opening actions. As shown in FIG. 56, the outer edge of the disk 100 a further confronts the stop arm 47, whereby the rib 48 e of the check lever 48 engages with the cam groove 54 c of the check cam 54, in the vicinity of the entrance. As shown in FIG. 57, until the rotation of the stop arm 47 stops, the check lever 48 and the set lever 46 rotate. At this time, the set lever 46 departs from the disk 100 a, because the 8-cm disk is smaller than a 12-cm disk. The pin 48 e stops at an intermediate position before reaching the far end of the cam groove 54 of the check cam 54 c. During that time, the check cam 54 moves, whereby the slide rack 14 engages with the slide cam R 12. As shown in FIG. 58, the check cam 54 is moved by the loading motor 32, whereby the pin 48 e rotates further. Accordingly, the check lever 48 and the stop arm 47 rotate further and thereby depart from the disk 100 a. As shown in FIG. 60, in the stop arm 47, when the pin 48 c of the check lever 48 enters from the engagement section 53 g 6 into the groove 53 g 7, the protrusion 47 c disengages from the engagement section 53 u, and then passes the protrusion 53 w and the protrusion 53 x of the engagement groove 53 j, between the protrusions 47 f and 47 g in the stop arm 47. At the same time, the protrusion 47 g confronts the side surface of the protrusion 53 x, and then slides along the side surface, whereby the confronting section 47 d rotates and departs from the disk 100 a.

[0250] The loading operation is the same as that for a 12-cm disk 100, except for the lever conformation described above in the disk transfer.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0251] As described above, a disk loading apparatus in a recording and reproducing apparatus according to the invention is advantageously used in a recording and reproducing apparatus for disks such as optical disks. 

1. A disk loading apparatus comprising: first retaining means which is arranged in a slot for a disk to be inserted and thereby retains the outer edge of said disk so as to permit said disk inserted into said slot to pass through said slot; transferring means for transferring said disk retained by said first retaining means, to a predetermined position; second retaining means which is arranged in the interior from said slot and thereby retains the outer edge of said disk retained by said first retaining means and transferred by said transferring means; and rotating means for rotating said disk at said predetermined position.
 2. A disk loading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discrepancy is reduced between the transfer level at which said disk is transferred by said transferring means and the rotation level at which said disk is rotated by said rotating means.
 3. A disk loading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: each of said first retaining means and said second retaining means has groove-shaped confronting sections for engaging with the outer edge of said disk in a slidable manner; and at the beginning of engagement between said disk and said rotating means, each said confronting section stays at a position in which the groove bottom of the confronting section is slightly departing from the outer edge of said disk, while on completion of the engagement between said disk and said rotating means, each said confronting section retracts to a position substantially departing from the outer edge of said disk.
 4. A disk loading apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said first retaining means comprises a pair of levers which grip the outer edge of said disk in a slidable manner and are arranged at positions symmetric with respect to the transfer direction of said disk.
 5. A disk loading apparatus according to claim 4, wherein at least one lever in said pair of levers comprises an arm for contacting with said disk at first when said disk is inserted into said disk loading apparatus.
 6. A disk loading apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein at least one lever in said pair of levers comprises an arm for contacting with said disk at last when said disk is ejected from said disk loading apparatus.
 7. A disk loading apparatus according to claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein said pair of levers comprise a link mechanism in which a motion of one lever causes a motion of the other lever.
 8. A disk loading apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein said second retaining means comprises three levers.
 9. A disk loading apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein said second retaining means comprises: three levers; and cam plates for engaging with said levers and thereby defining the path of disk transfer.
 10. A disk loading apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein said three levers are configured such that a second lever and a third lever are attached to a first lever.
 11. A disk loading apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said second lever or said third lever comprises a rotary arm for retaining the outer edge of said disk in a slidable manner.
 12. A disk loading apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said cam plates are composed of a first cam plate fixed to said disk loading apparatus and a second cam plate which is movable.
 13. A disk loading apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said transferring means for said disk comprises: a transfer mechanism for pressing and retaining the outer circumference solely of said disk; a motor and a series of gears for driving said transfer mechanism; and racks capable of engaging with and departing from at least one gear in said series of gears.
 14. A disk loading apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said transfer mechanism comprises a pair of rotary retaining members which are arranged opposingly to each other in the direction perpendicular to the disk transfer direction and parallel to the disk and thereby move the outer circumference of said disk by friction.
 15. A disk loading apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said transfer mechanism comprises: a fixed member for sliding along the outer circumference of said disk; and a rotary retaining member for moving the outer circumference of said disk by friction; said members are arranged opposingly to each other in the direction of disk thickness.
 16. A disk loading apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, wherein said series of gears further comprise a clutch capable of engaging with and departing from the gear of at least one rotary retaining member.
 17. A disk loading apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said racks are composed of: a first rack engaging with said second retaining means; and a second rack not engaging with said second retaining means but slidable along said first rack; and wherein when said first rack is moved by said second retaining means, each of said first rack and said second rack engages with a gear in said series of gears.
 18. A disk loading apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said racks further comprise a third rack for acting symmetrically to said second rack by means of a link mechanism.
 19. A disk loading apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, wherein said racks further comprise a fourth rack capable of engaging with and departing from the gear of said rotary retaining member.
 20. A disk loading apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said rotating means for said disk comprises: a disk motor for retaining said disk; a clamp arranged opposingly to said disk motor across said disk; and a clamp restricting member capable of engaging with and departing from said clamp.
 21. A disk loading apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said rotating means for said disk comprises: a disk motor for retaining said disk; a clamp arranged opposingly to said disk motor across said disk; and a clamp restricting member capable of engaging with and departing from said clamp; and wherein each of said second rack and said third rack is provided with: a cam groove for the up and down motion of said rotating means for said disk; a cam groove for the up and down motion of said clamp; and a cam groove for the engagement motion of said clamp restricting member.
 22. A disk loading apparatus comprising: a mechanism chassis for containing a mechanism; and a frame serving as a cover capable of engaging with and departing from said mechanism chassis; wherein each of both side surfaces of said mechanism chassis is provided with a groove open forward and backward, and wherein said frame is provided with bent members each capable of engaging with and departing from said groove.
 23. A disk loading apparatus comprising: a disk ejection switch; and disk transferring means for transferring a disk in response to said disk ejection switch; wherein depending on the frequency or the duration in which said disk ejection switch is pressed, the method of disk ejection is changed in said disk transferring means.
 24. A disk loading apparatus comprising: a switch for detecting the completion of disk loading; a switch for detecting the completion of disk ejection; a disk ejection switch; and disk transferring means for transferring a disk in response to said disk ejection switch; wherein when said disk ejection switch is pressed, the method of disk ejection is changed in said disk transferring means depending on the state of said switch for detecting the completion of disk loading or said switch for detecting the completion of disk ejection.
 25. A disk loading apparatus comprising: disk transferring means; a drive circuit for said disk transferring means; and disk rotating means; wherein said drive circuit is composed of a PWM drive circuit, whereby the operation duty can be changed between a value for disk insertion and disk ejection and a value for the up and down motion of said disk rotating means after the disk is loaded.
 26. A disk loading apparatus comprising: disk transferring means; a drive circuit for said disk transferring means; and temperature detecting means; wherein said drive circuit is composed of a PWM drive circuit, whereby the operation duty of said disk transferring means is changed on the basis of the detected temperature.
 27. A disk loading apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the operation duty during disk insertion and disk ejection is set lower than the value for the up and down motion of said disk rotating means after the disk is loaded.
 28. A disk loading apparatus according to claim 25 or 26, wherein a time-out limit is provided in the PWM drive of said drive circuit, and wherein said time-out limit is set at or longer than the twice of either the disk loading time or the disk ejection time at normal temperatures. 